Top 10 greatest overseas bowlers of all time in the IPL ft. Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has transformed T20 cricket since it began in 2008, becoming a global phenomenon and drawing top players from across the world. While Indian cricketers have always been the core of the competition, international bowlers have also played a huge role, often changing the course of games with their match-winning performances.

The influence of overseas bowlers is clear—they’ve been key to their teams' successes, whether through delivering game-changing spells or by setting impressive records. From Lasith Malinga's deadly yorkers to Sunil Narine’s elusive spin, and Dwayne Bravo’s masterful death bowling, these players have repeatedly proven they can handle pressure and perform when it matters most.

In the 17 years of IPL cricket, several overseas bowlers have made a significant impact. Here, we take a look at the top 10 greatest overseas bowlers of all time in the tournament.

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#10 Andre Russell

Few players have made as much of an impact in IPL as the explosive West Indian, Andre Russell. Although he began his IPL journey with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), it was with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that he truly came into his own.

While Russell is known for his destructive batting, having scored 2,484 runs at an incredible strike rate of 174.93, he has also been highly effective with the ball. The right-arm pacer has taken 115 wickets in 127 matches, including two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket performance. His versatility to bowl in all phases of the game makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

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#9 Chris Morris

South Africa’s Chris Morris made his presence felt across several top IPL franchises, including the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), leaving his mark at every stop.

The right-arm pacer took 95 wickets in 81 matches, with a particularly strong showing in the death overs. Not just a bowler, Morris also made significant contributions with the bat, playing some crucial knocks in the lower middle order. He scored 618 runs, including two fifties, with a highest score of an unbeaten 82.

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#8 Imran Tahir

South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir truly aged like fine wine in the IPL. He made his debut with Delhi before moving to the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants and eventually joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2018.

Tahir enjoyed a standout 2019 season, taking 26 wickets in 17 matches and claiming the Purple Cap at the age of 40. Throughout his IPL career, Tahir was exceptional, taking 82 wickets in 59 games at a solid economy rate of 7.76, including three four-wicket hauls.

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#7 Dale Steyn

Another South African great on the list is former World No. 1 bowler Dale Steyn. He started his IPL journey with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2008 and played his final season for the same franchise in 2020. In between, Steyn also represented the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Lions.

While injuries impacted the latter part of his career, Steyn was brilliant in the early years. Over his IPL career, he took 97 wickets in 95 matches, with an outstanding economy rate of 6.92, showcasing his exceptional skill and control with the ball.

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#6 Trent Boult

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult kicked off his IPL career in 2015 with SunRisers Hyderabad. However, it was his standout 2018 season with Delhi Capitals that brought him into the spotlight, where he took 18 wickets in 14 matches. Ahead of the 2020 season, Boult was traded to the Mumbai Indians (MI) from DC.

His first season with MI was remarkable, as he claimed 25 wickets in 15 games and formed a devastating bowling partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, helping Mumbai secure their fifth IPL title. Overall, the left-arm pacer, known for his ability to make early breakthroughs, has played 104 matches and taken 121 wickets in the tournament.

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#5 Kagiso Rabada

Another Proteas player to make the list is pace sensation Kagiso Rabada. The right-arm pacer began his IPL career with the Delhi Capitals in 2017 and played for the franchise until 2021.

He played a key role in the 2020 season, helping Delhi reach their first-ever IPL final. The 29-year-old claimed the Purple Cap that year, taking 30 wickets in 17 matches.

Rabada moved to the Punjab Kings in 2022, where he has continued to deliver strong performances. Overall, he has played 80 IPL matches, taking 117 wickets, including six four-wicket hauls.

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#4 Rashid Khan

One player who has rapidly climbed the ranks is Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan. He made his IPL debut in 2017 with the SunRisers Hyderabad and played for them until 2021. Ahead of the 2022 season, he was picked up by the Gujarat Titans.

Rashid has featured in 121 IPL matches, taking 149 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.82. Beyond his bowling, he has also showcased his batting skills, scoring 545 runs, including a half-century.

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#3 Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo, widely considered one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket, made a significant mark in the IPL, especially with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The West Indian all-rounder won four IPL titles with CSK and is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in tournament history, ranking as the top overseas player.

Bravo took 183 wickets in 161 matches, including two four-wicket hauls. He also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 1,560 runs and notching up five half-centuries.

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#2 Sunil Narine

Few players have spent their entire IPL career with a single franchise, and Sunil Narine is one of them, having been a key figure for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since his debut in 2012. He has remained with the franchise ever since, playing an integral role in their three title victories.

Narine has made a huge impact with his exceptional skills, claiming 180 wickets in 177 matches, including seven four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket performance. Alongside his bowling, he has also excelled with the bat, scoring 1,534 runs, with seven fifties and a century to his name.

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#1 Lasith Malinga

Ranked number one on this list is former Sri Lankan pacer and Mumbai Indians stalwart, Lasith Malinga. Making his IPL debut in the 2009 season, Malinga played until 2019, earning a reputation for his pinpoint yorkers and deceptive slow deliveries. Across 122 matches, he took 170 wickets, including six four-wicket hauls and a memorable five-wicket haul.

Malinga was a crucial part of Mumbai Indians’ four IPL title wins and remains the franchise’s most successful bowler. He is also the only MI player to have won the coveted Purple Cap, an honor he received in the 2011 season after taking 28 wickets in just 16 matches.

His lethal pace and ability to deliver under pressure have cemented his status as one of the IPL's greatest-ever bowlers.